Bhartṛharī's Nītiśatakam. Verse 2.

Bhartṛharī's Nītiśatakam. Part 2.

बोद्धारो मत्सरग्रस्ताः प्रभवः स्मयदूषिताः ।

अबोधोपहताश्चान्ये जीर्णमङ्गे सुभाषितम् ॥

boddhāro matsaragrastāḥ prabhavaḥ smayadūṣitāḥ |

abodhopahatāścānye jīrṇamaṅge subhāṣitam ||

[The knowledgeable are afflicted by envy; the rulers are spoiled by arrogance; and others are stricken by ignorance. Therefore, the beautiful saying is dissolved within the body itself.]

The knowledgeable people (scholars) are afflicted by envy. The rulers (those in power) have become arrogant. Other common people are afflicted by ignorance. In such a situation, who should one tell this to? With this helpless thought, the beautiful saying that had reached the lips of the poet, dissolved within the body itself (just where it was).

Mahāraja Bhartṛharī began the Vāgyajña (literary sacrifice) of narrating beautiful sayings in the form of the Nītiśatakam. But, whom should he tell this to?

There are three types of people in society: the knowledgeable, the rulers, and the common people.

The Knowledgeable (Jnāni): If one were to tell the knowledgeable, they are full of envy. They are afflicted by the ego of their own knowledge and consider others insignificant. They ask, 'What does he know?' and harbor jealousy. If such a person with an envious mind listens, they will not listen to gain understanding but to find faults. What is the use of such listening?

The Rulers (Prabhavaha): If one were to tell those in power, they are immersed in their own pride. There are two reasons to tell the rulers: first, they can grant royal recognition (Rājmānyatā), and second, it provides the main road to popular recognition (Janmānyatā). But they are habituated to 'making others listen.' They are not in a position to listen to anyone's beneficial advice. They consider themselves as powerful and look down upon the advice of those who are wise. How can one tell them then?

The Commoners: The general public is overcome by ignorance. They don't even have time to fulfill their daily needs. What will they listen to? When will they listen? Meaning, they are also of no use.

Therefore, in the end, the beautiful saying dissolved into the body, right where it was.

Image: Infographics created using Notebook LM.

The verse describes the eligible audience for a beautiful saying. One needs to become free from envy, free from arrogance, and one should be desirous of knowledge. Only then will the ‘beautiful saying’ be understood, and only then will it be put into practice.

🔱 ॥ श्री दत्तात्रेयार्पणमस्तु ॥ 🔱

Comments

Bṛhat Yogārṇava: Some Explanations On Graha Yogas

These are some excerpts from upcoming (unplanned) workshop on interpreting the Graha Yogas (planetary combinations). Image Source: Pinterest Combination 1: Mukhasya Vigandhatā (Foul Odour From Mouth) Jātakatattva 3.1.290. When Candra and Śukra occupy Meṣa and Budha occupies Lagna or 6th house, the person emits a foul odour from his mouth. A foul odour emanating from the mouth or body is traditionally associated with aggravation of Pitta Doṣa. In this combination, both Candra and Śukra are placed in Meṣa Rāśi, a sign ruled by Kuja, who is fiery and strongly connected with Pitta. When bodily heat increases abnormally, digestion becomes irregular, bile is aggravated, and unpleasant smell can emerge through the mouth, sweat, or skin. Thus, the sign itself provides the fiery foundation for the result. Candra governs rasa, bodily fluids, nourishment, and emotional softness. Śukra governs reproductive fluids, vitality, fragrance, and bodily charm. When these naturally gentle planets are place...

Jyotiṣārṇava: The Jyotisha Of Professions

In today's world, there exists a vast array of opportunities for education, careers, and various professions. Unlike in ancient times, it is no longer a given that the son of a king will inherit the throne. As opportunities expand, many individuals are choosing to pursue their careers abroad. Accurately interpreting this information from a horoscope can be a complex endeavor. Nevertheless, by employing a few established and effective techniques, this task becomes significantly more manageable. In this article, I present a method that has been in use for over 4,000 years, which I refer to as 'Mihira's Master Method,' along with several other straightforward principles. It is important to note that numerous example horoscopes are included in this discussion. I trust that the process of predicting professions will no more cause distress for the students of Jyotisha. I reviewed numerous articles and books which are written on professions. In one particular book, the method...

Shukra In The 12th Bhava

In Jyotiṣa, the Graha Bhāva Phala is a significant subject that has been explored by the Rishis and Acharyas. It holds considerable importance in the realm of Bhava Analysis. There exist several classical texts, some of which remain unknown to the astrological community and are held by the scribe, that have thoroughly addressed the Graha Bhāva Phala. The scribe has endeavored to compile all findings related to Shukra's placement in the 12th Bhava, which is regarded as particularly unique and intriguing in its own right. General Dictum Image: Shukra. Source: Pinterest. मीनोच्चः स्त्री च नीचस्तुलवृषभपतिः वैरिणौ भानुचन्द्रौ । सामान्यौ पूज्यभौमौ तदनु च सुहृदौ सौम्यमन्दौ ग्रहौ द्वौ ॥ सम्प्राप्तौ लाभगेहे तनुसुखजनके कोणकोशे प्रशस्तः । अन्ये भावे च शस्तो वदति च विदुषः पूर्वग्रन्थेषु तज्ज्ञः ॥ (Rf. Unknown) [Mina is exaltation sign and Kanya is the debilitation sign for the ruler of Tula and Vrishabha (Sukra). Surya and Chandra are inimical, Guru and Kuja are neutral whi...

Experiences In Jyotiṣa: Some Case Studies

Case 1: Kāma, Manas, Jyotiṣa & 7th House An astrological chart reveals many aspects of a person’s life and very little remains hidden from a skilled astrologer. One among these is the sexual tendencies of the native. This should not be treated as a taboo subject, as the classical texts discuss such matters quite openly. It is the moral responsibility of an astrologer to guide his clients if they are moving on the wrong path. Image Source: Pinterest In the given chart, the 7th Lord Śani is debilitated and retrograde, and it casts its aspect on the 7th house itself. The 7th house, which is also the debilitation sign of Bṛhaspati, receives the aspect of Bṛhaspati who owns the 6th and the 9th houses. Bṛhaspati is associated with Budha, the 3rd Lord, and Sūrya, the 2nd Lord. Thus, the 7th house is under malefic influence. 7th house from Candra is in Krura Kartari as the 6th house is aspected by Śani and 8th is occupied by Kuja. The 7th Lord from Candra happens to be Kuja who is under ...

Jyotiṣārṇava: Combinations Related To 10th House

This article has been originally written in Hindi. English version has been attached along with it after the completion of the article. Image Source: Pinterest दशमभाव संबंधित कतिपय सूत्र: 1. विश्व के समस्त यशस्वी व्यक्तियों की कुण्डली में या तो दशम भाव में कोई ग्रह स्थित होता है अथवा दशमेश बलवान होता है। 2. दशम भाव आकाश का द्योतक माना गया है, अतः पदोन्नति, उन्नति तथा सफलता के लिए इसका विशेष महत्व है। यदि नवमेश, पंचमेश आदि शुभ ग्रह दशम भाव में स्थित हों, तो वे आर्थिक वृद्धि कराते हैं। 3. यदि दो राजपुत्रों की कुण्डलियाँ सामने हों और यह विचार करना हो कि कौन सिंहासन के योग्य है, तो निस्संदेह वही योग्य होगा जिसका दशम भाव और दशमेश बलवान हो। इससे दशम भाव का महत्व स्पष्ट होता है। 4. कुछ विद्वानों का मत है कि जिस कुण्डली में दशम भाव रिक्त हो, उसे देखना ही नहीं चाहिए। यद्यपि यह कथन विनोदार्थ है, तथापि इससे दशम भाव की महत्ता का ही प्रतिपादन होता है। 5. दशमेश यदि पंचमेश या नवमेश के साथ युक्त होकर दशम भाव में स्थित हो, तो समस्त कार्य सिद्ध होते हैं और ऐसा जातक राजपद प्राप्त करता है। 6. दशम भाव में ...

Government Jobs: Planetary Indications

One of the most common questions that the Indian community asks an astrologer is whether they will obtain a government job. For many people, it is seen as a symbol of stability, prestige, and social status. In many cases, astrologers make the mistake of predicting a government job merely because Sūrya is placed in the 10th house or happens to be exalted. Such a conclusion is often too simplistic. The 10th house certainly has relevance, but it is not the primary factor. Greater attention should be given to the 5th house, which reflects intelligence and the capacity to succeed in competitive examinations. Along with this, the 6th house should ideally be weaker in comparison to the Lagna. It is also important to examine whether the individual possesses sound morals and ethical conduct. Finally, the Daśā and the Gocara must provide adequate support at the right time for success in the examination and clearing the interviews. [Please read the article on professions for detailed understandin...

Jyotiṣārṇava

Search This Blog